by Mike Hall, Jun 13, 2011
The Mine Workers (UMWA) has reached a tentative 5.5 year agreement with the Bituminous Coal Operators Association (BCOA), the union announced this morning.
The 125 UMWA locals covered by the BCOA agreement will vote on the contract Friday. Details will not be released until contract explanation meetings are held at each local Wednesday. If the agreement is ratified, it will take effect July 3.
UMWA President Cecil Robert called the contract talks “a long and intense process.”
We had many issues to confront, especially with respect to our
pensions, health care and wages. But through the strength and
solidarity UMWA members have historically demonstrated, we were able
to meet those challenges.
